History of Panama City Beach

Bay County is an area rich in American history. The St. Andrew Bay area was home to many Indians before it was settled as a community in the 1800s. Pirates found the deep pockets of the Bay ideal to lie in wait for richly laden ships in route to Mexico or Spain. Legend has it that many a pirate buried his share of treasure at Spanish Shanty Point on Shell Island.

Another area teeming with history in Panama City Beach is St Andrews State Recreation Area. During World War II, it was part of the St. Andrews Sound Military Reservation. Circular cannon platforms are still in place near the jetties. Opened in 1951, the park now covers more than 1,200 acres.

Since its founding, Panama City Beach’s economy has greatly depended on its natural blessings making it home of "The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches."

St Andrews State Recreation Area is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in Florida. Rated the "Number One Beach in America" in 1995 by coastal authority Dr. Stephen Leatherman, it is best known for its 1 1/2 miles of white sand beaches, natural dunes and crystal-clear water.

Visit Panama City Beach for the annual Indian Summer Festival held every October at Frank Brown Park. This three-day music, art and seafood festival hosts top name entertainment and wide array of fresh local seafood.

The soft Panama City Beach sand is actually quartz crystals, which over time has been broken down, bleached, polished and deposited on the shoreline. This natural process has made Panama City Beach home to the "World's Most Beautiful Beaches."

Information provided by the City of Panama City Beach. Need a relocation packet? Contact the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce at: